Set an example by paying staff properly

MP who campaigns for benefit and pension equality posted job ad paying under real living wage

- PAUL HUTCHEON

AN anti-poverty SNP MP has been accused of hypocrisy after advertising a job paying less than the real living wage.

North East Glasgow MP Anne McLaughlin offered £10.81 an hour despite the voluntary rate going up to £12.

Maureen Burke, the Labour candidate in the seat, said: "The hypocrisy of well-paid MPs offering poverty wages shows just how out of touch the SNP are with our communities.

"In-work poverty is an epidemic in our country and MPs should set an example by paying their staff properly.

The real living wage, which is set by experts and based on the cost of living, is paid by over 14,000 employers.

Unlike the statutory National Living Wage, it is voluntary and firms are encouraged to take part to help reduce poverty. It was announced last month the rate would rise from £10.90 an hour to £12, with companies having six months to implement the increase.